HOUSTON—Land Tejas Companies, a premier residential land developer of the Canyon Gate Communities in Houston, has hired Jennifer Keller, as chief operating officer.

A licensed professional engineer in Texas, Keller will lead the company's growth, development operations, builder sales and marketing efforts for its high concept master-planned communities.
With more than 20 years of industry experience, Keller will oversee the entitlement and development of more than 6,000 acres of land comprised of 12,000 residential lots currently controlled by Land Tejas Companies. Keller will also lead the company's efforts in new acquisitions within strategic markets.
"Jennifer brings an invaluable perspective on the complexities of residential development as well as the insight on how builders choose community locations," said Al Brende, co-owner and founder of Land Tejas Companies. "As we expand our industry footprint, we are excited to bring aboard a professional like her who shares our passion for land development."

Prior to joining Land Tejas, Keller was the senior vice president of one of the largest divisions of KB Home, a highly recognized and publicly traded homebuilding company.  During her 10 year tenure, she oversaw the acquisition, entitlement and development of approximately 3,000 acres of land comprising 10,000 lots.

Keller earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.  Since 2000, she has served as president of the board of directors for a number of Municipal Utility Districts.

Formed in 1997, Land Tejas Companies continues to be one of the strongest developers in the Houston area with more than 12 projects in various stages of development. Projects in early stages of development include Mirabella, a 700-acre northern phase of Land Tejas' successful Canyon Lakes West at Stone Gate; and Lago Mar, a 2,033-acre community in Texas City that will feature approximately 4,000 homes, a 350,000-square-foot Tanger Outlet Mall and a 25-acre Playland Amusement Park upon completion, and Canyon Gate at Northpointe.